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Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

The Guide to Hunting in Hawaii 2026

Author Image for Teri Williams

11 Minute Read

By Teri Williams  on 2/4/2025

Hunting in Hawaii is a niche experience. Where many states have a range of animals you can hunt throughout the year — big and small — Hawaii has fewer animals to hunt. However, if you're after game birds or axis deer, a trip to this island state may be just what you need this year.

Not only can you enjoy beautiful scenery for your hunt, but you can also bring home wild game you may not be able to hunt on the mainland, like mouflon sheep. You'll also have ample opportunity to hunt feral hogs. If you live on any of the islands, you may already understand that Hawaii hunts are like nothing else.

So, before you dismiss Hawaii as a place you shouldn't plan to hunt, check out our guide! We've gathered the information you need about season dates, hunting licenses, bag limits, and more.

Updated March 17, 2026

A map of the United States highlighting the islands of Hawaii.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Hawaii?

As we mentioned, you'll see things you probably can't find near home on the mainland. There are exciting opportunities to hunt feral hogs, axis deer, Mouflon sheep, and small game birds throughout the islands.

So, whether you live on the Hawaiian islands or plan to travel there for a hunting trip, it's an excellent state for a hunt this year.

Where Should I Hunt?

You'll need to island hop to get the full experience, or you can choose the island with the wild game and available dates that fit your schedule.

When you get there, you'll experience a range of terrain — from bamboo forests to plateaus, coastal areas, volcanoes, and plateaus. So, pack accordingly based on where and what you plan to hunt.

As you plan your hunt, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas before you arrive in Hawaii. When hunting in Hawaii this year, use the many map layers in the app to scout and mark the best places to hunt. You can also use HuntWise to find private vs. public land and understand those boundaries.

A pheasant takes off from the ground, hunting in Hawaii concept.

When Can I Hunt?

So, when should you plan your Big Island hunting trip (or the trip to the island of your choice? Our guide to the hunting seasons in Hawaii will help you pinpoint the dates to purchase tags and permits and hunt.

Note that Hawaii typically announces open season dates by the different islands via announcements throughout the year. So, while the information we provide in this resource is the latest available from Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), we recommend consistently checking their website for updates throughout the year.

We'll also update this guide with the latest season information as new details become available.

Hunting in Hawaii Big Island

Turkey Spring 2026: March 1 – April 15, 2026

Archery:

  • Puuwaawaa Feral Sheep: March 1 – July 28, 2025
  • Puu Anahulu Archery Non-Typical Ram: August 6 – 28, 2026 


Muzzleloader:

  • Puuwaawaa Feral Sheep: September 3 – 18, 2026


Youth Hunts

  • Puuwaawaa Feral Sheep Typical Ram (Archery): August 6 – 28, 2026 
  • Puu Anahulu Non-Typical Ram (Archery): August 6 – 28, 2026 


Disabled Hunters

  • Puuwaawaa Feral Sheep (Archery): September 1 – 29, 2025


Game Birds

  • Pheasant, Quail, Partridge, Francolin, Sandgrouse, Dove, Wild Turkey (Public and Private Lands): First Saturday in November through the last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Additionally, Wednesday, Thursdays for Units A, G, PTA, and private lands)
  • Special Bird Seasons:
    • Wild Turkey (Spring Hunt Only, Permit required): 
      • March 1, through March 31 (daily): Kipuka Ainahou
      • March 1, through April 15 (daily): Units A, F and G, and private lands
    • Barred Dove (Small Dove) Private Lands Only: First Saturday in February through last Sunday in March (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)
    • Spotted Dove (Large Dove) Private Lands Only: First Saturday in October thru the last Sunday in October (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)

Kauai Island

Feral Goats 2026: 

  • Archery:

    • Unit F: July – August (daily)

    • Unit K: July – August (Saturday, Sunday, and State Holidays)

    • Unit A: June 6 – 7, 2026 only

    • Unit G: Year-round (daily)

  • Youth, Senior Citizens, and Disabled Hunters (Muzzleloader only): 

    • Unit A: June 13 – 14, 2026 only

  • Regular Rifle and Muzzleloader Season: 

    • Unit A (Muzzleloader Only): June 20 – August 30, 2026 (Saturday and Sunday only)

    • Unit B: May 1 – August 31, 2026 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

Feral Pigs: 

  • Unit A: 

    • Rifles, Shotguns, Muzzleloaders, or Archery: February 1 – May 31, 2025 (Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays)

    • Archery: First full weekend in June (Saturdays and Sundays only)

    • Muzzleloader: Second full weekend in June, Third full weekend in June through August; two weekends issued per hunter (Saturdays and Sundays only)

  • Unit B:

    • Rifles, muzzleloaders, handguns and archery: Year-round (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

    • Rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handguns or archery: May through August (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

  • Unit C: 

    • Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, archery or dogs and knives: (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

  • Unit D Kokee State Park (Archery or dog and knife only): January through May (Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays)

  • Unit E1 (Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, archery, or dogs and knives): Year-roound (Friday through Monday and state holidays)

  • Unit E2 (Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, or archery): Year-round (daily)

  • Unit F: 

    • Archery or dog and knife only: February through May (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

    • Archery only: July through August and September through December (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

    • Muzzleloaders only: January and June (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

  • Unit G Na Pali Coast State Park (Archery only): Year-round (Daily — three day permits)

  • Unit H:

    • Rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handguns, archery or dogs and knives: December through July (Friday through Monday and state holidays)

    • Rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handguns, or archery: August through November (Friday through Monday and state holidays)

  • Unit J (Archery only): January through August or September through December (Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays)

  • Unit K (Archery only): July through August or September through December (Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays) (See annual goat rifle season instructions for specific hunting days)

  • Unit L Waimea Heights Special Hunting Area:

    • Archery only: July to August (See annual deer season instructions for specific hunting days) (Saturdays and Sundays only)

    • Muzzleloader: September to October (See annual deer season instructions for specific hunting days) (Saturdays and Sundays only)

Deer (Archery, Units F, J, K, and L): July 1 – December 31, 2025

Black-Tailed Deer: 

  • Archery:

    • Unit F: September – December 2025 (daily)

    • Units J, K: September – December 2025 (Saturday, Sunday, and state holidays)

    • Unit D: June – August 2025 (weekends and state holidays)

    • Unit D (regular pig hunting season): September – December 2025 (weekends and state holidays)

    • Unit L: July 5 – August 31, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday only)

  • Muzzleloader (Units A, B regular pig hunting season, & L): September 6 – 7, 2025

  • Regular Rifle: 

    • Units A & L: September 13 – October 26, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday only)

    • Unit B: September 12 – October 27, 2025 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays)

    • Units E1 & H: Year-round (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays)

    • Unit E2: Year-round (daily)

Youth, Senior, and Disabled (Muzzleloader, Unit A): June 14 – 15, 2025

Game Birds:

  • Pheasants (incl. female at Kekaha), Chukar, Francolins, Doves (Units A, B, E, H, I, Kekaha GMA, Private Lands): First Saturday in November through last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays)
  • Pheasants (Archery Only) (Unit J): First Saturday in November through last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and State holidays)
  • All Game Birds (Unit L): First Saturday in November through last Sunday in January (Saturdays and Sundays)
  • Barred Dove (Small Dove) Private Lands Only: First Saturday in July through the last Sunday in October (Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and state holidays)
  • Spotted Dove (Large Dove) Private Lands Only: First Saturday in February through the last Sunday in March  (Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and state holidays)

Lanai Island

Mouflon Sheep: 

  • Archery: July 16 – 27, 2025

  • Youth: August 1 – 3, 2025

  • Muzzleloader: August 8 – 10, 2025

  • General Rifle: August 16 – October 12, 2025

Non-Typical Ram: Based on Lottery Results

Axis Deer:

  • Archery:
    • First Hunt: February 4 – 8, 2026
    • Second Hunt: February 11 – 15, 2026
    • Third Hunt: February 18 – 22, 2026
    • Fourth Hunt: February 25 – March 1, 2026
  • Youth Hunt: March 6 – 8, 2026
  • Muzzleloader: March 13 – 15, 2026
  • General Rifle: March 20 – May 31, 2026 (Fridays to Sundays only)


Mouflon Sheep Ewe: Based on Lottery Results

Game Birds

  • Pheasant, Quail, Partridge, Francolin, Dove, Wild Turkey (Public and Private Lands: First Saturday in November through the last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)

  • Special Bird Seasons (Private Lands):

    • Barred Dove (Small Dove): First Saturday in October through the last Sunday in October (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)

    • Spotted Dove (Large Dove): First Saturday in February through the last Sunday in March (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)

Oahu Hunting

Hunters can hunt game birds on O'ahu island, including pheasants, doves, francolins, and peafowl.

  • Pheasant, Quail, Francolin, Partridge, Dove (Public and Private lands): First Saturday in November through last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)
     
  • Special Bird Seasons (Private Lands Only):
    • Barred Dove (Small Dove): First Saturday in February through the last Sunday in March; and First Saturday in October through the last Sunday in October (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)
    • Spotted Dove (Large Dove): First Saturday in October through the last Sunday in October Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)

Island of Maui

Hunters can hunt game birds on Maui.

  • Pheasant, Quail, Partridge, Francolin, Dove (Public and Private Lands): First Saturday in November through the last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays
  • Wild Turkey (Private Lands Only): First Saturday in November through the last Sunday in January (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)
  • Special Bird Seasons (Private Lands Only):
    • Barred Dove (Small Dove): First Saturday in October through the last Sunday in October (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)
    • Spotted Dove (Large Dove): First Saturday in February through the last Sunday in March (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays)

Moloka'i Island

  • Pheasant, Quail, Partridge, Fancolin, Dove, Wild Turkey (Public and Private Lands): First Saturday in November Through the last Sunday in January (Saturday, Sundays, and state holidays)
  • Special Bird Seasons (Private Lands Only):
    • Barred Dove (Small Dove) and Spotted Dove (Large Dove): First Saturday in February through the last Sunday in March (Saturday, Sundays, and state holidays)

 

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An axis deer buck stands near trees, Hawaii hunting concept.
An Axis deer

What Do I Need to Know About Hawaii Hunting Regulations?

Hunters must pass an online hunter education course before they are eligible for a hunting permit in Hawaii. Once you get your hunter education card, you're ready to hunt!

Then, pay close attention to the purchase or application dates for the various islands and game animals you plan to hunt. Some tags are awarded by a lottery draw. You'll also need a game bird stamp to hunt birds.

When heading out for your hunt, be sure to check-in. Hawaii required hunters to check in at an established hunter check-in station or via the OuterSpatial app.

What are the Bag Limits?

How many feral sheep, pheasants, or axis deer can you bring home this year? To comply with hunting laws in Hawaii, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt. 

Check with official resources to confirm bag limits before heading out for a hunt.

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

When hunting in Hawaii, you need the right gear!

Successful hunts require gear like a good pair of binoculars, the right clothing (depending on the season), a good rifle for firearm hunts, and the right pair of binoculars.

Remember: As you get geared up for the season, you can use your gear discounts through our HuntWise partners. From odor control to clothing and optics, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear.

Close-up of a hunter's hand holding a phone showing the HuntWise hunting app.

HuntWise is Your Guide to Hunting in Hawaii

A hunt on the islands of Hawaii is sure to be a memorable experience. Plan a trip to bring home an exotic game animal while enjoying beautiful scenery and a trip of a lifetime.

What else do you need for success when hunting in Hawaii? The HuntWise hunting app! The app helps you scout and plan your hunt before heading out, giving you an advantage over other hunters. Choose the island and game animals you'd like to hunt, then dig into HuntWise maps and overlays to get a lay of the land.

HuntWise is the ultimate tool for e-scouting and planning hunts. Plus, Elite subscribers get access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of weather and animal activity forecasting.

Download the app and start your free trial to explore HuntWise Pro and Elite features so you're ready for opening day!

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Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details March 17, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to some of the top questions about hunting in Hawaii!

Q: When can you hunt in Hawaii?

A: In Hawaii, hunting seasons vary by species and island, but many game animals (like feral pigs and goats) can be hunted year-round. Specific seasons apply for deer and birds.

Q: What deer can you hunt in Hawaii?

A: In Hawaii, you can hunt axis deer, black-tailed deer, and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids (often managed like big game).

Q: What is the best Hawaiian island to hunt?

A: Maui is widely considered the best Hawaiian island to hunt, especially for axis deer. Lanai is also popular for controlled hunts.

Q: Can tourists hunt in Hawaii?

A: Yes, tourists can hunt in Hawaii. Non-residents can hunt but must purchase a Hawaii hunting license and may need additional permits depending on the area.

Q: Are there any whitetail deer in Hawaii?

A: No. Hawaii does not have native or established populations of whitetail deer.

Q: Can you use a rifle to hunt in Hawaii?

A: Yes, rifles are allowed for certain hunts and areas in Hawaii, but regulations vary by island, species, and hunting unit, so you must check local rules.

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